Insurance Management

At a Glance

Part-Time

The Master of Professional Studies in Insurance Management is for career professionals who want to accelerate their advancement to leadership positions or broaden their expertise in the industry. It accommodates both professionals already working in insurance and those looking to make a career change. The program is part-time, online, and instruction is asynchronous to accommodate working professionals. It consists of 10 required courses taken over four consecutive semesters (approximately 16 months, total, including a summer session), and two on-campus, in-person residencies, to the extent possible, prior to the start of and at the conclusion of the program. Only fall entry is available.

Upon completion of this program, students will be equipped to:

• Lead decision-making by applying broad knowledge and holistic understanding of the inter-disciplinary functions within insurance companies.
• Leverage data and technology advancements to meet the demand for digital procurement and client-centric insurance.
• Implement strategic and tactical plans to drive business growth, expand into new markets, and build relationships in insurance and other business ecosystems.
• Champion corporate initiatives to meet environmental, social, and governance goals.
• Translate market trends and issues into impactful business opportunities and solutions.

Program features include:

• An elite, cutting-edge curriculum that integrates emerging issues with a situation- and problem-based learning structure.
• A preeminent scholar-practitioner faculty that includes seasoned insurance industry leaders who incorporate their multidisciplinary insights and real-world experiences.
• A part-time, easy-to-follow online course of study ideal for working professionals. The online coursework is supplemented by two in-person sessions to connect students with their peers, faculty, guest speakers, and other thought leaders for networking and collaboration.
• Exclusive access to a robust professional network of corporate insurance partners, thought leaders, faculty, and peers, as well as career development services and professional development opportunities.
• A collegial, supportive environment and strong peer network cultivated by the program’s cohort structure.
• An Applied Research Project that empowers students to select a real-world business challenge and develop strategies for implementing responsive product or service solutions.

APPLY NOW

The insurance industry is undergoing an accelerated rate of change. Embracing the use of data and technological advancements has enabled insurers and their partners to provide products and services that are increasingly customer-centric. At the same time, innovation is challenging traditional business practices with competitive new players, and the heightened expectations of insureds, investors and other stakeholders are making the management of insurance enterprises more complex. 

The proactive leadership and administration of an insurance business in today’s dynamic environment requires a holistic understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships between key business units and the foresight to implement timely advancements. The ability to be forward-thinking, apply emotional intelligence, and convey thought leadership will help insurance professionals distinguish themselves and their companies.  This program provides students the opportunity to refine these skills, incubate new ideas, and expand their professional network while they receive instruction and mentorship from a team of respected industry professionals who are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience.

This 16-month part-time program is specially designed to blend asynchronous online instruction with flexible peer and faculty interaction to accommodate working professionals. Its comprehensive problem-based learning structure prepares students to apply what they learn today in the office tomorrow. Ensure the future of insurance—engage our academic and professional network through Columbia University’s Insurance Management master’s program, the only program of its kind in the Ivy League. 

Who Should Apply?

The insurance ecosystem is as broad as it is deep. Society depends on the continued willingness of insurers to assume risk that no one else wants. Whether you are a insurance product or service provider, an insured or risk manager, or a third party beneficiary, knowing how to effectively utilize, negotiate and implement an appropriate insurance strategy is vital. Our students represent a microcosm of this ecosystem.

• Insurance/Reinsurance Professionals and Entrepreneurs: those seeking enrichment, advancement, and entrepreneurial opportunity in the insurance industry, including Insurtech innovators  
• Career and Industry Changers: those seeking to apply related subject matter expertise to professional, managerial, and leadership roles in insurance  
• Members of the Insurance Ecosystem: including, risk managers, third-party service providers, collaborators, innovators, investors, bankers, lawyers, consultants. 
• Professionals who have had a role in the insurance or other relatable industry, or who hold positions as: 
  Underwriter, Senior Underwriter, Underwriting Manager, Product Specialist, Underwriting Quality Review Auditor, Operations Analyst, Operations Manager, Assistant General Counsel, Business Development/ Relationship Manager, Distribution Marketing/Communications Manager, IT/Business Analyst, Actuary, Claims Adjuster, Claims Specialist, Claims Manager, Account Executive/Client Executive, Producer, Broker, Placement Manager, and Consultant

Sample Courses

• AI, Data and Technology in Insurance
• Insurance Risk Management
• The Role of Finance in Insurance
• Emerging Risk and Insurance Topics
• View All Courses

Career Outlook

Equipped with knowledge, skills, and Columbia’s extensive network, students and graduates will have a competitive advantage for advancement. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles at insurance companies, brokerages, and agencies, or consulting and insurtech firms, as well as insurance procurement and risk mitigation roles as insureds in non-insurance entities. 

Students are being recognized for making an impact at work with their newfound knowledge in real time. More than half of alumni have earned promotions, pivoted to new career paths, advanced the breadth of their responsibilities, and contributed more value to their company, some within a few months of graduation. Several created positions in new units and businesses emanating from their Applied Research projects and the connections made during the program. 

One very unique professional benefit from being part of the Insurance Management community is deep relationships that are built during and after the program. Students, alumni, guest lecturers and faculty are business and professional resources for each other, which the program strives to perpetuate.

With the understanding that our students and alumni are accomplished professionals, experts in the Career Design Lab, a hub that connects students with the resources and relationships, are prepared to assist students and alumni with the next steps in their careers.